Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading and I love sharing my projects and current reads here. I would love for you to join me every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting (or crocheting) and reading too!~

Not much actual reading has taken place this week.  More perusing than anything.  I picked up this Baby & Me Knits at the library the other day and it has some fun projects in it.  I'll have a hard enough time finishing my current list of "to knit", but I love looking at actual hard copy pictures.  Ravelry is fine, but I'll take a book about knitting any day.  The photos are always so beautiful to look at.

For school, my oldest is working her way through On the Banks of Plum Creek.  Well, we're listening to the read aloud on YouTube.  This is a welcomed change from Farmer Boy, which was not our favorite.  And I love learning and hearing all of it for the first time with her.  I was not a reader when I was young (nor was I instructed to read half the books we do).  So the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a new and delightful one for me.

I'm knitting a basic baby pod for boo #4.  We eagerly anticipate his arrival in roughly nine weeks.  I can't believe we're this close!!

The girls also did a koolaid ice cube dying project this week.  The above yarns are the finished product.  I think they turned out great and we already have plans to do more in the future.  I used cheap Patons Classic Wool for this project since it was our first time.  It took some encouraging my little crafters to wait until I wound them because while they were drying in skeins, the colors didn't blend as well.  They weren't really impressed with how they turned out at first, but now they can't wait for me to knit their dolly's some sweaters.

I'm joining Ginny AND Nicole this week.  I hope you will also.

Blessings!

Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading and I love sharing my projects and current reads here. I would love for you to join me every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting (or crocheting) and reading too!~



I have to apologize...

My yarn alongs are certainly lacking variety lately, but I am in full baby, birth and diapering mode!

This week found me knitting yet another diaper cover.  An Ottobre Design soaker with slight modifications.  I won't say it's my favorite pattern thus far.  I was not a fan of the actual construction...thinking knitting flat would be easier, I actually prefer knitting in the round for soakers of this style.  It's also not without mistakes.  The seaming was no easy task.  Don't look too closely, but my stitches don't line up.  This might bug me astetically in the larger scheme of things, but fortunately it won't affect the functionality of it.

I do love the Malabrigos Rios yarn I used for this project.  It was a joy to work with!  And it's perfect for sensitive baby skin.

As for reading I'm going back to Redeeming Childbirth by Angie Tolpin.  I started this book three years ago when I was pregnant with my third child, but I never finished it.  This time, I'm pressing on as it is such an encouraging read about Christ-centered childbirth.

I'm joining Ginny at Small Things for her weekly Yarn Along and I hope you'll check it out.  So much delightful inspiration!

Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading and I love sharing my projects and current reads here. I would love for you to join me every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting (or crocheting) and reading too!~

I'm still working on the same diaper cover from last week.  It's coming along nicely, though I'm getting bored with the last little stretch of knit, purl, knit, purl.  I thought maybe it would be too big, but now I do believe it will work out perfectly.

I did start working on a project that has been a year in the making.  The white egg looking thing is actually going to be the fluffy unicorn from Despicable Me.  I started it last year for my youngest daughter's birthday and hopefully I'll actually have it finished for her this year.  I've got a few more days to get it done.

In other wooly news, I scored a LlamaJama 100% Wool diaper cover for free from a buy sell or trade site.  WooHoo!  I was super excited except for the fact that it was HOT PINK!  Yesterday I set out to dye it green all while praying I didn't ruin it completely.  I did use regular fabric dye.  Which left me feeling less than stellar what with all the natural dying I read about, but that is truly an art form (with science mixed in).  For my first experience I decided to go the easy route.  Also I was working with a very rich existing color.  Had it been a natural color I feel like I could have experimented a little more.  It felted just a tad, but it actually didn't draw up as much as it could have.  It'll be a great cover for when my boy is a bit older and the color turned out great!  Overall, I'm very pleased with it.

Reading has pretty much been a no go this week.  As soon as my head hits the pillow each night I'm out.  Such is the song of the third trimester!  Which I am at.  But I can assure you from this point on, any reading that does happen will very likely be birth related.  

I'm sharing with Ginny over at Small Things for her weekly Yarn Along.  I do hope you'll join me!!

Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading and I love sharing my projects and current reads here. I would love for you to join me every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting (or crocheting) and reading too!~

I knit this precious little wool soaker for my nephew back in November (Ravelry notes here) and it is what set me on the course of exploring wool's roll in cloth diapering.  I dabbled with my last child by sewing up two soakers from thrifted sweaters, but I was completely confused and intimidated by the wash and lanolizing routine.  I never used those covers and eventually gave them away.

But this time I decided to really knuckle down and learn.  It turns out, it isn't a difficult process at all. 

This will be my fourth time cloth diapering and my preferences have changed so much since I started in 2008.  Slowly over the years I've moved to natural materials.  For my first two children all of my diapers were bumgenius pockets.  I actually did add in a few organic elementals with my second.  For my third I transitioned to organic cotton prefolds and PUL covers.  Now, this time around, I've settled on organic cotton prefolds and fitteds with wool covers.  I think my journey in knitting has affected my decision greatly.  There are so many distinct differences when knitting with manmade materials vs natural...in how they feel, how they wear and how they stand up to hard use.  Things I didn't consider prior to learning to knit.

So given wool's long history of it being a breathable, self cleaning, moisture wicking material...I think it's the perfect choice for us and baby #4.

Which leads me to this weeks Yarn Along project.  The WHW Plain Wrap.  

I chose this diaper soaker because of the ability to customize closures.  I haven't decided on whether I'll use aplix or buttons yet, but I'm leaning towards buttons.  I knit the small size wanting to have a cover for those first few weeks (I have big babies), but the more I knit the more I think I should have actually gone with the newborn size.  We'll see.  Next on my list and after researching even more I believe my go to soaker pattern is going to be the Curly Purly pattern with inch and a half leg cuffs.  It seems to get stellar reviews in both ease of the pattern and functionality.

I'm still knitting the baby socks from last week and finishing up Hands Free Life from last week as well.

New on the list of reading is my friend's Bradley Birth Workbook.  Birthing nerves are upon me and this has lots of useful tidbits.

I'm joining Ginny over at Small Things today for her weekly Yarn Along.  Please check it out!!

Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading and I love sharing my projects and current reads here. I would love for you to join me every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting (or crocheting) and reading too!~

These banana muffins are some of our favorites here.  Often times I'm not on top of things enough to prepare breakfast ahead of time...like cinnamon rolls or crockpot oatmeal.  But these are quick and tasty.  They can be whipped up in a matter of minutes and please even my picky eaters.  The recipe calls for nuts, but we sub in mini chocolate chips.

Currently on my needles are tiny baby socks and I think they may just do me in.  I originally started with the Perfect-fit Newborn sock, but the closer I get to turning the heel, the more confused I become.  Heaven forbid I look on to the gusset.  From what I can tell, most baby socks are fairly similar in construction so I think I may continue with a pattern I understand a bit better.  Here's one I'm more likely to figure out.  Though I may make the foot a little longer.

The wee chunky hat was a stash buster and it almost didn't become a reality.  I was limited in both the right size dpn's and yarn, but I just kept knitting until I couldn't anymore.  I think it turned out ok.  My baby's have big noggins though, so my only hope is it fits once baby boy arrives.  This is a very basic knit flat hat, no pattern per se, but my Ravelry notes are here.

This week I started reading Hands Free Life and though I'm not very far in, the idea of striving towards a more meaningful existence, apart from ALL distractions (be it electronics, dishes, chores, various responsibilities) is enlightening.  I have such a difficult time separating the fact that I'm not bound by "things".  I have set these self-imposed expectations for myself and I'm the only one keeping tabs.  Of course I can't let my home go to squalor or never get school done with the children.  But none of these things are as pressing as I make them out to be.  Throw in the constant need to be "plugged in" and I suffer greatly from comparison syndrome.  Hopefully this book will lovingly guide me in giving up these ideals because as much as they stress me out, imagine the impact they have on my family.

Also on my reading list are my scripture birth affirmation cards.  I made these three years ago when I had my son (found the idea on Pinterest) and they helped immensely in staying focused on Christ during my labor.  I have no doubt they will be more than beneficial this time around as well.  April can't come soon enough...I'm so looking forward to meeting this little guy.

I'm joining Ginny today over at Small Things for her weekly yarn along.  I so enjoy being a part of a collective project, seeing everyone's handiwork and inspiration.  It brightens my day each Wednesday.  Please check it out!

Yarn Along...

 

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading (though not at the same time!), and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?~

 

Joining Ginny for her weekly Yarn Along.

 

Knitting:

Basic Bernat Baby Booties (Completed) and now working on a matching baby rolled-brim hat.

 

Reading:

In This House We Will Giggle: Making Virtues, Love & Laughter a Daily Part of Your Life

By Courtney DeFeo

 

Blessings on you weeks.

 

Sharing at:

Frontier Dreams

Small Things

Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~

 

Joinging Ginny for her weekly Yarn Along...

 

 

I'm a slow knitter.

 

My Scarf With No Name is not complete as I expected it to be.  Sometimes life happens and little time is left for knitting.  I have accomplished a few rows here and there, but right now our daughters are in full bent revolt.  They bicker, they complain, they ignore (me)...I suspect it's a phase.  I pray with all my might it's just a phase.  Because while the girls are busy not getting along or sassing mama, their brother is scaling table tops and attempting to pull blinds down.

 

My goal each night after the children are in bed is to relax with my essential oils and my knitting... hoping to actually get something accomplished.

 

But inevitably, as soon as my butt hits the bed I'm out.  Motherhood is exhausting.  And I'm well aware this is nothing new to most of you.  But some seasons are just so jam packed with "stuff" there's nothing else left at the end of the day. 

 

That's where I'm at right now.  But I hope...I realllllllly hope...the tides will turn soon.  And I'll find that place of welcomed respite.  A place where little ones play quietly and nicely...where one year olds don't constantly try to defy gravity.

 

I look forward to that place and time...if there is such a thing.

 

As for reading...I'm bringing you a review and giveaway of Nicky Epstein"s Knitting ReImagined.

 

As I looked through all the patterns tucked beneath the covers of this book I wondered how in the world I was going to review it in a favorable light.  I, personally, just couldn't grasp the lines, the detail or how modern the knits were.  All I could imagine was how nice a coffee table book it would make.  Really more of a book best admired for it's photographic splendor rather than actually attempting the work within.

 

This is not your Grandma's knitting, for sure.  ReImagined is an understatement in my opinion.  The patterns are very avant garde...with unusual lines and boxy shapes.  If I could combine Andie Walsh (you know...Pretty In Pink heroine) and Katniss Everdeen into a sweater, that might give you a good idea of what to expect.  It is not my style of knitting, nor even remotely on my skill level.  The pictures are lovely to look at, though.  Epstein presents her knits in stunning form.

 

But as I continued through, it began to occur to me that maybe that's the point of the whole thing.  Knitting ReImagined isn't meant to appeal to your delicate, traditional or heirloom knitting.  It's meant for a new generation of fiber artists.

 

I know I wish I had learned to knit from my grandmother or even my mom.  But I didn't.  I learned from You Tube.  However, it is something I intend on passing down to my girls and when they are grown, their knitting is going to look so much different from my knitting.  Instead of it being an art on the brink of extinction, maybe it will be busy with revolution.  New rules, new fibers, new stitches, new ways of wearing the finished product.  Maybe our knitting, if pushed out of the box a little, can be left to evole into something beautiful yet modern that our children and their children can enjoy for years to come.  Afterall, knitting is about legacy, right?.  It certianly is not about what is lost, but about what is gained.

 

So even though this book isn't necessarily my style now, that's not to say it won't be someone's style later.

 

I fully intend on trying my hand at at least one of the patterns...if not more.  And I would recommend this book to any knitter looking to push their boundaries a little...explore a different technique...and live on the knitting edge. :)

 

Would you like to win a copy?  Leave a comment about your knitting legacy.  For an extra entry, share this on your blog and leave me a link in an additional comment.  I'll be choosing a recipient at random on Friday morning around 10:00 am (EST).  I'll then contact the winner via email.

 

Many Blessings to you all.

 

Sharing today at:

Small Things

Frontier Dreams

 

 

 

 

I recieved this book (and one additional copy) for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

 

Yarn Along...

"Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?"

Joining Ginny for her weekly Yarn Along...

 

Remember the Scarf With No Name that I mentioned last week? The yarn that had started out as many things, but ended up frogged every time?

Well, here they are. This was last night. I'm well into another pattern repeat now and getting ready to start a third. As intricate as the pattern looks, it moves really quickly. And it isn't boring like the knit one row, purl one row baby blanket (which still isn't complete...ahem).

The original pattern on ravelry initially gave me a run for my money. Apparently the written pattern did not match the charted pattern and only the charted pattern was correct.

That's fine and dandy for someone who reads charts easily. I, however, am not that person.

Fortunately some brilliant ravelrer translated it and posted to their page. Thus my handwritten copy. I don't do well with following instructions via a web version. I have to have hard copies and our printer is out of ink, so talk about old school.

I anticipate my scarf will be done by next week's Yarn Along and it will mark the second completed project that I've made for myself in three years of knitting. That number needs to go up.

I'm perusing through Nicky Epstein's Knitting ReImagined right now.  It's interesting for sure...not your average run of the mill knitting patterns.  I'll write more about it next week in my review and I'll also have a copy up for grabs.  So stay tuned for that.

 

Can't wait to see what everyone is working on this week.

 

Sharing at:

Small Things

Frontier Dreams

 

Blessings!



Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now?~

 

Joining Ginny for her weekly Yarn Along...

 

 

My sister got me this beautiful hank of yarn for Christmas.  Isn't it lovely?  This yarn is handspun and dyed up in Christiansburg, VA near my hometown.  I love supporting local business, so this was a treat for me in more ways than one.  The etsy store is TwoSiberiansFiber and they have some amazing stuff. 

 

The description of the yarn states:

This is 470 yards of handspun coilspun yarn, the main ply spun thick-and-thin and plied with a laceweight wool binder single, also handspun. It was spun from art batts like the one in the bottom picture consisting of hand-dyed copper alpaca, Peruvian wool, copper angelina and hand-dyed Icelandic and Teeswater locks in green, yellow and pink. It's a soft, crimpy yarn with beautiful texture and definition, worsted weight in the main.

 

I'm just beside myself trying to figure out what it should be knit into.  I'm thinking a hat.  Yes, I'm almost certain it should be a hat, but what pattern is the question.  Any suggestions?

 

I am still plugging along on the baby blanket and Angel the Doll I posted about a couple weeks ago.  I'm so easliy distracted this time of year...to have long tedious projects on the needles was not a smart move on my part.  It's summertime...I need quick and easy.

 

Having said that, thinking I could break up the monotony a bit, I cast on a (not quick and easy) Shawl with No Name.  I have this beautiful fingering that I got last year at the beach and it has started out as many things, but by golly by gosh, I'm not frogging this scarf.  I will finish it.  And I'll update you on the progress of that next week.

 

As for reading, the kids and I are working our way through both Little House in the Big Woods and Anne of Green Gables.  How I never read these as a child I'll never know, but I am thoroughly enjoying them both.  My girls are loving them as well...everyday they have deep discussions as to which one resembles each character the most.  I can tell you without a doubt, my oldest is Anne Shirley made over.

 

Tell me what you are knitting and reading this week.  I can't wait to hear about it.

 

Sharing at:

Small Things

Frontier Dreams

 

 

 



Yarn Along...

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

 

Joining Ginny for her weekly Yarn Along.

 

 

This week finds me spending quite a bit of time knitting a simple baby blanket for a special little girl who recently made her way into the world.

 

Then the precious doll, named Angel by my oldest daughter, has been an ongoing project since late April.  Using Growing Up Sew Liberated's Little Amigo Doll Pattern, she is waldorf inspired baby.  She's been a lot of fun to make and as you can see, all she needs is hair then she'll be complete.  I'm pleased with how she's turned out and so is my girl (which is all that matters).  I suspect they will be the best of friends.

 

Next on the list is to make Angel some handknits.  My pinterest board is full of inspiring patterns to adorn this sweet girl with.  But for now I guess she's content to wear an American Girl doll dress. 

 

Blessings on your weeks and on your knitting!

 

Sharing at:

 

Small Things

Frontier Dreams

 

Yarn Along...

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for her weekly Yarn Along.

(Pattern- with a few changes)

Knitting: Lots of last minute gifts.

Reading:  All the beautiful Christmas cards we receive daily.

Seven more days.

Merry Christmas!

 

Yarn Along...

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for her weekly yarn along,

This week finds me plugging along on various gifts.  At this moment I'm finishing up my oldest girl's 2013 hat.  I'm tiring quickly of hats...I'll be honest.  But they are quick and easy.  And this one in particular is super cute.  I've enjoyed watching it take shape.  Emma picked out both the color and the pattern.  I hope she loves it once it's complete.

Not much is happening on the reading front.  There just isn't enough time in the day.  Not to mention, I'm trying to get my eight month old to sleep somewhere other than my arms.  We are making progress...slowly.

Oy...I hope I can get all of my Christmas knitting done BEFORE the actual day.

Fortunately, knitting for me is calming.  Not the fourteen gazillion projects part, but the actual process.  I need more of it as if feels this season (in life) is pretty stressful.  I take comfort in knowing my needles are there patiently waiting for me to pick them up and create.

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful knits being shared!

Blessings on your week!!

 

Yarn Along...

Joining Ginny over at Small Things today for her Yarn Along...

I'm knitting a hat again.  This time for me...this pattern.

It's a quick and easy knit and I'll be excited to have a new winter hat for myself.  However, the pattern called for wool-ease thick and quick...I'm not a fan.  Next time I'll get a little crazy and pick out my own yarn.  

So, last week I cast on a Botanical Cowl with a lovely yarn I purchased this past summer at a little shop near the beach. Oh my, it was/ is exquisite and though it's fingering weight (never worked with fingering) I loved knitting with it.  The way the yarn slid effortlessly off and onto my stainless steel needles...what an enjoyable knit.  But alas, it was 240 stitches long and I can't handle that amount of leisure knitting right now (remember the last two quick and easy projects).  I had to frog it.  I'll be revisiting it AFTER all the holiday knitting is over.  And it will be MUCH shorter.

For now...hats.  Hat knitting is good.

Here's a picture of last YA's finished project (on my very handsome hubby).

 Not much on the reading front...other then perusing through all of your posts!  Can't wait to see what everyone is knitting up!!
 
 

Yarn Along...

(sorry for the extremely washed out photo)

This week found me busier than usual.  I typically take my time on projects (as if you didn't notice from the year's worth of work-in-progress shawl), but with about a month to go before Nugget gets here, it is definitely crunch time.

Having said that, I did cheat a little. 

Note, I did knit. 

I am thiiiiis close to finishing my prayer shawl.  It has been a learning experience for sure, but I'm pleased with it so far and I'm looking forward to it being a source of support and love during my labor.  Once it is complete I think I'll move on to a slightly more challenging pattern and try to finish a blanket or vest for baby boo before he makes his debut.

Still using up my "stash" I decided to tear into a pile of thrifted 100% wool sweaters to make some diaper soakers.  I'm kind of in love with these little things.  I'm not new to sewing by any means, but I certainly don't consider myself a highly skilled seamstress either.  So I always surprise myself when I whip up something new.  My plan was to make two small and two mediums, but these look a little on the bigger side to me so I'll hold off until we know how big the boy is.  I tend to have big babies anyway...these will probably be perfect and I can just go up in size from here on out.  The sweaters I found were already felted so they are ready to go.  I did wash them...and I may even choose to lanolize them in the long run as well.  We'll just have to see.  I'm new to wool when it comes to cloth diapering, but I'm looking forward to it's potential...I've heard nothing but good about it.
I used this pattern to make the soakers.

On the reading front, I just started this book...

 

You can read all about it here.

 

So far it has been an inspiring read.  And just what I needed in this 34th week of pregnancy.  At this time (with all three pregnancies) I've found myself stressing more and more about things out of my control...instead of simply relying on Christ for my support.  This book has certainly been beneficial in reminding me that almost anything can become an idol if I let and pregnancy/ childbirth are no exception.  I can't wait to get more in depth with it.

 

Well, I look forward to seeing what all you have come up with this past week.  Your projects and abilities always amaze me!!  Thanks for visiting!

 

Joining up with Ginny for her weekly Yarn Along at Small Things

 

and

 

Nicole for Keep Calm Craft On at Frontier Dreams.

Blessings.



First Yarn Along- A Prayer Shawl

Beginnings of my Honest Warmth Shawl- Windsor (color) Homespun Yarn by Lion Brand

Joining Ginny over at Small Things today for my very first Yarn Along!!

For months I have followed her beautiful Wednesday entires, as well as those that post along, in hopes that I would one day be able to contribute something as well. But seeing as I'm a newbie knitter, all the expertise was (is) intimidating. That and I couldn't seem to manage anymore than a 3x3in bit of knitting before I became disgruntled with my mistakes...ripping it out. Purling gets me all out of sorts.

Then came a new year.

I decided I would choose a project that was farely simple, yet challenging for me at the same time. Ravlery, Pinterest and Lion Brand Yarn became my new best-friends in my search.

I stumbled upon this Prayer Shawl that I fell in love with. It's called the Honest Warmth Shawl by Lion Brand and it will be perfect for what's left of a very cold winter. It is simply a garter stitch shawl with only one yarn over at the begining of each row. And though I had never knit with circular needles, I'm finding it to be easier than I had expected.

So far, my shawl is chock full of mistakes and I don't know that I'm super crazy about the color, but it's mine...it made it past 3x3in and I'm pretty proud. Boy, am I excited to finish this!

As for reading, I've been taking my time getting through The Friday Night Knitting Club. I figured what better book to spur on my new found hobby! It is a good book so far. I just always leave too much time between where I last left off and I have to constantly re-read chapters so I know where I'm at. I think I do this because I'm preferring non-fiction to fiction right now ( I go through phases). Which is why I am reading The Resolution for Women as well. I've only just begun reading it, but it is indeed hardcore. Based on the movie Courageous, the first pages were blatent in that the book and the contents it shares would be convicting. I love reading material like that. Conviction is good. And though I'm not that far in, I'll let you know how it is as I continue on!

Can't wait to show you my progress next week! As well as seeing all of your beautiful creations in the Yarn Along!

Thanks for reading and Happy Knitting!